"If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear"

Spiritual Preparedness–August 2013

The Roles of the Holy Ghost

Last month’s spiritual preparedness article was on the gift of the Holy Ghost. When it was time for the Savior to leave his disciples, he told them that he would not leave them comfortless, but that Heavenly Father would bless them and send the Holy Ghost to be with them. Actually, it is through the Holy Ghost that many gifts of God are given to us.

One of the most powerful purposes of the Holy Ghost is his witness of the Savior. “To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus is the Son of God and that he was crucified for the sins of the world” (D&C46:13).

Also, the Holy Ghost will teach us. “For the Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not. Wherefore, it speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be; wherefore, these things are manifested unto us plainly…” As we teach, the Spirit will help us express our feelings and testimonies to others. And when we listen with the Spirit, we can understand and learn from what is taught. “Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together.” D&C 50:22.

Another gift of the Holy Ghost is how he can guide us in our prayers. “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26)

An important gift of the Holy Ghost is that it will show us “all things what we should do” ( 2Nephi 32:5). We usually think of choosing between right and wrong, but he will be there for us in all of life’s decisions. Even when choosing between two good things, it is important to follow the Spirit so that we will always be in the best place for us to be.

The Holy Ghost will help us remember. When Alma the younger remembered his father’s testimony of the Savior and the atonement, he said, “My mind caught hold of that thought” (Alma 36:18). Similarly, Enos said that when he we was hunting, “the words which I had often heard my father speak concerning eternal life, and the joy of the saints, sunk deep into my heart.” (Enos 1:3). What a comfort it is to know that we can rely on the Holy Ghost to bring back to our minds not only knowledge but feelings of love and gratitude for past experiences.

And finally, the Holy Ghost is the comforter, “which comforter filleth with hope and perfect love,” ( Moroni 8:26). The Holy Ghost can be with us until the end. He will help us endure. “I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy” (D&C 11:13).